AUDITIONS NOW OPEN

Young Mannheim Symphonists is Australia’s only national youth orchestra for Historically Informed Performance (HIP).

The Young Mannheim Symphonists 2027 VIC State Academy will take place in Melbourne from 6–10 July 2027, offering young musicians a unique opportunity to be part of this exceptional youth orchestra program. Conducted from the violin by Rachael Beesley and co-directed by Nicole van Bruggen, the Academy promises an inspiring and immersive experience.

Over five intensive days of workshops, tutorials and orchestral rehearsals, participants will explore Classical and Romantic masterpieces, culminating in a public concert.

The Young Mannheim Symphonists will be mentored by tutors who are principal musicians of the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra – leading professionals in historically informed performance on period instruments. Their deep understanding of musical style, articulation, and ornamentation is informed by years of experience; performing, studying historical treatises and scores, experimenting with instruments and interpretation, and engaging in a vibrant exchange of ideas with colleagues and students. They are passionate about exploring musical heritage within its historical context, and inspiring and enlightening the next generation of musicians.

WHO CAN AUDITION: Orchestral musicians aged 13–23 (at 1 Jan 2027) from all Australian states and territories are invited to audition.

PLAYING LEVEL: Performance standards differ for each instrument, but as a guide, a minimum of AMEB Grade 6–8 level or equivalent is recommended.

COST: $475. This is a non-residential program. Accommodation is not provided. Interstate participants are welcome but must arrange their own travel to Melbourne.

BURSARIES: Available for applicants with demonstrated financial need – apply for a bursary here.

For further information, please contact: operations@arco.org.au

2027 AUDITION TIMELINE

  • Monday 31 August 2026 – Applications/auditions open

  • Sunday 25 October 2026 – Applications/auditions close at midnight

  • Thursday 19 November 2026 – Acceptance announcements

  • Waitlist or special consideration applications accepted after deadlines – contact operations@arco.org.au

HOW TO APPLY & AUDITION

  1. Complete the application form.

  2. Pay the $20 audition fee to receive the audition upload link from Humanitix. Keep this safe!

  3. Find the audition excerpts and requirements.

  4. Upload your video audition by Sunday 25 October.

application form
Audition excerpts & info
Pay audition fee

Young Mannheim Symphonists
2027 VIC State Academy
Conducted from the violin by Rachael Beesley and co-directed by Nicole van Bruggen

Tuesday 6 July – Saturday 10 July 2027
Melbourne

PROGRAM

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770–1827)
Coriolan Overture in C minor Op.62 (1807)

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN
Symphony No.3 in E flat major, Op.55 'Eroica' (1804)

FACULTY list coming soon!

“The most important part of orchestra playing I have learnt is communication. This can be done through eye contact, movement, breathing and listening. Playing without a conductor in a different set-up allowed me to develop these abilities.”

“The workshops especially were inspiring. Learning the history and using various facial expressions and movements to convey storytelling is extremely different from anything I’ve ever done.”

“I wanted to learn more about what HIP is and just try something new and different to other music programs. Definitely got to do this, have been introduced to so many new ideas and approaches, it was an amazing week!”

— YMS 2023 VIC participants

2023 VIC STATE ACADEMY PHOTO ALBUM

Photos: Hikari Photography

WATCH THE 2025 NSW STATE ACADEMY CONCERT

YMS COMPARISON CHART

You can apply and come to both National and State Academies!
But if you have to choose, here’s a comparison.

NATIONAL ACADEMY:

  • Residential (incl. meals, accommodation)

  • 6 days, 2-3 sessions per day plus social activities

  • Same learning outcomes & faculty expertise

  • Excellent playing level (but more competitive)

  • Repertoire: Symphonic PLUS chamber music

  • Open to all Australian and New Zealand residents (must arrange own travel to Brisbane)

  • Cost: $900

STATE ACADEMY:

  • Daytime only

  • 5 days, 2 sessions per day

  • Same learning outcomes & faculty expertise

  • Excellent playing level

  • Repertoire: Symphonic

  • Open to all Australian residents (must arrange own travel and source own accommodation)

  • Cost: $475

Main YMS page